DOC Access Act of 2021
- Last Action
- 5/24/2021
Actions
- 2021-05-24Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 2021-05-21Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2021-05-21Introduced in House
- 2021-05-21Introduced in House
CRS Summary
As of 2021-05-21 (00)
Dentist and Optometric Care Access Act of 2021 or the DOC Access Act of 2021
This bill prohibits private health insurance plans from setting rates for items and services, except for dental cleanings, provided by a doctor of optometry, of dental surgery, or of dental medicine for which the plan does not pay a substantial amount.
Additionally, an agreement between a plan and such a doctor for limited scope dental or vision benefits may last longer than two years only with the prior acceptance of the doctor for each term extension. Plans also may not restrict such a doctor's choice of laboratories or suppliers.
Such doctors may elect to waive the application of the payment amount and choice of laboratories provisions of this bill.
The bill establishes a private right of action for a person adversely affected by a violation of this bill.
The bill does not supersede state laws regarding health insurers and dental or vision benefit plans.
Cosponsors (20)
- Earl Carter (R-GA)
- Darren Soto (D-FL)
- David McKinley (R-WV)
- Bill Posey (R-FL)
- Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ)
- Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA)
- Kurt Schrader (D-OR)
- Ron Estes (R-KS)
- Adriano Espaillat (D-NY)
- Rodney Davis (R-IL)
- Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY)
- Julia Brownley (D-CA)
- Terri Sewell (D-AL)
- SANFORD BISHOP (D-GA)
- Brendan Boyle (D-PA)
- Peter Welch (D-VT)
- BARBARA LEE (D-CA)
- BOBBY RUSH (D-IL)
- J. Correa (D-CA)
- Thomas Suozzi (D-NY)
Subjects
- Civil actions and liability
- Dental care
- Employee benefits and pensions
- Health care costs and insurance
- Health care coverage and access
- Hearing, speech, and vision care
- State and local government operations
Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.